Being Different | Teens Speak

When I was 5 I would throw things and yell at night. I never told my parents that it was because I was afraid to go to bed. What happens to YOU when you sleep?

Growing up, I could just feel things more than other people. Noises were louder, smells were so strong. When people laughed I couldn’t stand the sound. They said I had sensory integration disorder.

I was able to keep it inside when I was at school so I got 4.0’s but when I’d get home I’d have to let it out. The fear that others didn’t like me.

I’ve been getting help realizing that the only thing that I can control is how I perceive things and react. Most of the time, it’s not about me. People are just people.

Childhood drawing by author

My parent’s got it and stayed committed to my growing out of always thinking about myself. I was heading down a dangerous path. It took going into a group setting where I could learn each day to live up to my morals and be with others, even when it was so uncomfortable. I’m 15. I have my whole life to live.